There is a lot of science behind what gives you a great night of sleep, instead of a restless night of sleep. You've probably heard that you should turn off screens an hour or more before bedtime, that lights should all be turned off or blocked out, that you should avoid having caffeine too late or alcohol right before bed... But what about temperature? Do you know what temperature your room should be in order to enjoy the best night of sleep possible? Royal Heating & Air is your local HVAC expert, and we're here to answer that question!
Circadian Rhythms
You may or may not have heard this term before. Your circadian rhythm is an internal process that regulates your sleeping and waking schedule. Circadian rhythms last about 24 hours before cycling again. Some refer to your circadian rhythm as your "internal body clock". Your circadian rhythm can be affected by the amount of light you're exposed to, how much you exercise, and your body temperature.
Temperature and Falling Asleep
In the scheme of things, we've only been able to control the temperature in our homes for a short amount of time. Our bodies are naturally used to experiencing a drop in temperature at night. When your body releases melatonin (the sleep hormone) about 2 hours before sleep, your body temperature starts dropping. The way it does this is by sending heat away from your core and into your extremities. That's why you might notice your hands and feet feeling warmer.
If your thermostat is set too high in your home at night, your body may have a hard time cooling off enough to comfortably fall asleep.
Staying Asleep with the Right Temperature
Some studies have been done about what happens to the quality of your sleep if you are too hot or too cold. While being too cold overnight can make you uncomfortable and disrupt your sleep somewhat, being too hot is even more disruptive. When your body is too warm, you can't go into deep sleep (also called REM sleep). Without those deep periods of sleep, you will most likely struggle to stay asleep and won't feel rested the next morning.
What is the Magical Temperature?
The ideal temperature can vary somewhat person to person. However, according to the Sleep Foundation, the ideal temperature for sleep is 65 degrees Fahrenheit. They also report that most doctors say the best temperature range for sleep is between 60 and 67 degrees Fahrenheit.
Stay Cool with the Best HVAC Company
Royal Heating & Air is the best heating and cooling company at the Lake of the Ozarks and we pride ourselves on helping keep your home comfortable and safe. If you're experiencing any issues with your heating or cooling system, give us a call! With spring right around the corner, now is a good time to think ahead and plan for your spring maintenance check on your HVAC system. Don't lose any sleep, call today! 573-480-4313
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